David Sacks Emerges as Key Voice in Trump Administration's AI Policy Debate

David Sacks, a venture capitalist and former artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency adviser to President Donald Trump, has emerged as a prominent advocate of a relatively light-touch approach to AI regulation.

Venture capitalist, David Sacks has been a prominent voice in the U.S. debate over artificial intelligence regulation. [Photo: Independent Institute]

Trump has also criticized calls for additional AI restrictions, describing perceived dangers from the technology as a “hoax” and a “scam” and arguing that the federal government already has substantial regulatory and criminal authority over AI companies.

Sacks has argued that excessive regulation could undermine U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.

The Guardian reported that he has maintained financial interests in multiple AI companies and has continued to have access to the administration after leaving his formal White House role.

The issue has become more contentious as researchers and technology executives have debated the risks posed by increasingly capable AI systems.

More than 100 AI researchers, professors and technologists signed a letter on Sept. 18 calling for meaningful independence and protections for third-party AI safety evaluators.

The signatories included AI researchers Geoffrey Hinton and Stuart Russell.

Sacks criticized the push for third-party evaluations on social media, describing such efforts as “pseudoscience” and “censorship and control,” according to The Guardian.

The Guardian also reported that Trump has continued to consult with Sacks on AI policy.

Sacks left his formal role as AI and crypto czar in March but has remained politically involved in the administration's AI discussions.

Sacks and Trump have faced criticism from advocates who support stronger AI safeguards.

At the same time, their position reflects an ongoing policy debate over whether governments should impose additional restrictions on AI development or rely more heavily on existing laws and industry-led safeguards.